Those timber handle scales tend to be “slippy when wet”.

With a couple I’ve had over the yrs.
I’ve wiped with Acetone. then wiped clear Sikaflex Marine over them.
Smoothed most off so it’s just a light film.
When you get it right (a few practice runs on a bit of sanded timber first.
You get a very slightly tacky surface. with a 100% better grip.
I’ve done it on Stainless Divers knives too.
The secret is “very” finely… the lesserer the betterer.

That Damascus. Look at blade end as it blends into tang. and the cutting edge.
If it decorative you’ll see.